Everyone’s Favourite Second Team

Is There a Better Second-Favourite Team Than the Kiwis?

Overshadowed by Australia, once subjects of the British Empire, and dwarfed by India’s cricketing influence, it's a tough existence for the Kiwis. Despite consistently reaching ICC finals, they hadn’t secured a major global trophy since 2000...until now. Enter the "Grandmas"! This self-styled group of OAPs finally broke the drought. Led by Amelia Kerr, who smashed 43 from 38 balls, and supported by a core of seasoned players—the 37-year-old Suzie Bates, 35-year-old Sophie Devine, and 34-year-old Lea Tahuhu—the Kiwis clinched an emphatic T20 World Cup final. For these veterans, who last saw a World Cup final in 2010, this was likely their final shot at glory. And they delivered, and some.

The Dog Gets Thrown A Bone

Do you remember ‘Sandpapergate’? When the Aussies got caught cheating? Then they blamed it all on three players? Conveniently overlooking the bowlers who, by some miracle, were supposedly oblivious to what was happening with the ball they were holding and throwing. Somehow, it was a tale Cricket Australia hoped would pass the sniff test. Among those players, the brash and often controversial opener, David Warner, took the brunt of it. Not exactly a figure who typically draws sympathy, Warner found himself banned from captaincy, ridiculed by the media, and hounded by fans, while his teammates largely carried on. Now, as Warner’s career approaches its twilight, Cricket Australia has lifted his captaincy ban—timing that certainly raises a few questions. Only those in the dressing room know the full story of what happened back in 2018, but as the controversy lingers, one thing’s for sure: the autobiographies can’t come soon enough.

Jimmy Is So BACK

James Anderson has given the people what they want and made himself available for the 2025 IPL Auction scheduled for 24th and 25th November. The greatest pace bowler in Test cricket is taking a note out of Dhoni, Messi and Ronaldo’s books by joining the dark green side by cashing in on his final playing days, and we love to see it.

Let’s not forget he has a white ball hat-trick to his name. Surely he’ll get picked up??

Shot of the Week

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Issue: Weekly Picks - The 'Good Guys' Are Winning
Publisher: J. LaLonde
Editor-At-Large: Angus Wilson
Contributing Writer: Ollie Goodwin